Area Boys and “Omo Onile” Syndrome
I can’t seem to come to terms with this issue of "Omo Onile" - ("Land Owners" as they call themselves), ……..they have turned themselves into a demi god in the society; that even the presence of the men of the Nigerian Police "Force" means nothing to them.
One question I ask myself is this - for how long do we continue to harbour this young adults called Area boys and their partner in crime "Omo Onile". Another question is this - "Omo Onile", are they only prevalent in Otta, Ogun State or is that the norm that has come to stay in most parts of Nigeria?
One may wonder - why this stories and questions…………….
Well, the basis of my "story" is this………. There is this about/yet to be completed plaza in my neighborhood in Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria - on the proposed day for the plaza’s "decking" - young able bodied men numbering about a thousand came parading themselves as "Omo Onile" and Area boys demanding for money………
One funny thing I learnt during the course of my "poke nosing" was that Area boys too operate on levels - Federal Level and State Level…………. interesting you say I also learnt these boys went away with over Two Hundred Thousand Naira…………..without working for it except for the noise and pantings…………
For how long do we continue with this social malady of "Omo Onile", from purchasing the land, to laying the foundation, to roofing, to completing the house…………..they are always around demanding for money………
Well, its only God that can save us from this malady…………..
….drop your comment………………
A very informative comment. Have the Omo Oneli asked for money form the pipeline construction going on in the Ogun/Otta area?
Comment by Ted — August 24, 2007 @ 11:42 am
@ Ted,
I really don’t know where the pipeline construction is going on in Otta but I can bet you, those boys would have been there to ask for “something”………. you know what I mean, as if it is their birth right.
Comment by Ife — August 24, 2007 @ 9:46 pm